What an inspiration! They encourage so many local artists. My daughter and I did the tour which was FREE. It was interesting to see actual artists workshops like their "brain". Each month they rotate the various art in there MULTIPLE galleys. It also included a karaoke elevator and bouldering rock climbing wall on the roof. Loved it! read more

See all

I used to attend First Friday events in Indianapolis, but I've never attend the events at the Harrison center until now. Oh boy was it an experience! 10/10! There were so many different artist on display and the energy was on point. I attended the event with my 1 year old and she even had a good time. It was kind of crowded in the hallways, so we opted to let her walk around with us instead of bringing the stroller. There are elevators that go to each floor but we found it fun to go up the stairs. Its seemed like every corner was packed with some form of art display. In the gymnasium there was chili buffet along with a live music. I wasn't expecting that, but a pleasant surprise. They were honoring a fallen artist and it was good to see the community come together. The artists were engaging and the staff was super helpful. I def will be coming back again! read more

There's much to love about Indy's Harrison Center, a place I hadn't visited for quite some time until recently when I had the opportunity to stop by and check out a friend's exhibit during a First Friday event. This entire corner has always intrigued me. The roots of the Harrison Center go all the way back to 1903 when the First Presbyterian congregation planted its fourth church home at the corner of 16th and Delaware. It was also the neighborhood housing the home of President Benjamin Harrison, a First Presbyterian elder and Sunday School teacher. In 1970, the Presbyterian Metropolitan Center became a central location for Indy Presbyterian congregations to do community outreach. However, by the late 90's the building had fallen into disrepair and was acquired by local philanthropist Jeremy Efroymson. In 2000, he opened it as the Harrison Center for the Arts, a secular and for-profit arts center with tenants like VSA (Very Special Arts), Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Herron School of Art, The Nature Conservancy, and other artists. A year later, a concert was held during Talbot Street Art Fair here and this would turn into the acclaimed Independent Music & Art Festival. Redeemer would acquire the building and in 2002 began operating as Harrison Center. By 2003, Harrison Center became a non-profit and its artist population grew. Within a couple years, it received Nuvo's Cultural Vision Award. In 2007, it housed the birth of Herron High School. Numerous other projects are started over the next several years and in 2017, Harrison Center for the Arts becomes simply Harrison Center. Programs include First Fridays, Art Dish, IMAF, Community Engagement Drawing Sessions, Greatriarchs, Preenact Indy, Music, Video, Foodcon, Porch Party Indy, Place-Based Art, and the podcast "Music in Place." The artist slate is full here, though Harrison Center has a variety of rooms that can be rented (not all are fully accessible - be sure to ask if that's needed!). There's even a gymnasium that's pretty awesome. Facilities include the 1,100 square foot Harrison Gallery, the 1920s gymnasium, Speck Gallery, 24 artist studios (on 3 floors, again not all accessible). The artist studios are cool because many of the spaces were formerly parts of a church and retain that feeling. You can buy art from the artists and some of it is available online. I'm currently eyeing a couple of pieces. This is a wonderful space with a tremendous feeling filled with people who love art and artists. Art comes in a variety of prices, though these are all professional artists and prices reflect that. While I'm tempted to take off a star simply because there are some accessibility issues, it has improved over time and generally I can typically get where I need to go. However, if you have certain places you're trying to get to it's definitely a question I'd ask first. I recently returned for a First Friday event and fell in love with the space again. I look forward to returning in the near future. read more

Harrison Center - Dave Thornburg window exhibit at Nov. 2021 First Friday event. - Art Galleries Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I don't know how I didn't review this place before. I visited the Harrison Center during a first Friday event two months ago. All I have to say, is that it was a labyrinth of artist studios, with hundreds of people interacting with artists, and even a gymnasium with a live band performing. read more

See all

I love coming to the Harrison Center for events. The place is full of whimsy. There is a slide to the basement for example! And a karaoke elevator! The art inside is all so different and there is a lot to see. They keep it tidy as well which is always nice. read more

Usually I only come here on first Fridays for the art tour. This is a very active art space for both younger and mature artists. All mediums can be found here and special events make every first Friday new and original. Tonight's theme is Food. So local farmers, survival schools, nutritionists and food crafters take center stage. Booths are set up outside and inside through out the space. Many of the art pieces are centered around food as well. We bought goat cheese and green beans that were just picked this morning. It's kind of like a farmers market that educates here tonight. Honey, homemade beer demonstration, and seeds for fall planting. We signed up for the mailings and are now notified by postcard of the first Friday attractions. Look for race themes in May and harvest themes in the fall. They are creative about enticing new visitors to check out all the great offerings here. Back in June, they were teaching swing dancing, so you never can tell what you will see. Come and check it out!! read more

Harrison Center - Indy 500 stuff at first Friday - Art Galleries Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

If you love art and haven't been to the Harrison Center, this is another place you must put on your list! As you walk up to the center, you are visually greeted by whimsical art that captures your imagination. Once inside the building you are greeted by wonderful artists who are willing to talk and share about their work. There is a a wide variety of art mediums. I must say though, my personal favorite in the shared building is , ArtMix This studio employs students with various disabilities. These students create various art through clay and digital art. The sale of their reasonable priced art goes back into the program to help continue their program. Students are paid through stipends during the school year and paychecks during the summer. It is a wonderful way to get some awesome art and gifts while supporting a great community program!! The Harrison Center is a must see all around.! read more

Did you ever have one of those places that seemed to keep popping up in articles you read or heard discussed, but had never found time to visit? Well, the Harrison Center was becoming "that place", so I decided to visit on a winter day. I contacted them ahead of time to arrange for a guided tour (free) since I have heard that that there is a confusing floor plan that may baffle first time visitors. I pulled in off 16th Street into the mid-block parking lot between Delaware and Alabama. Parking is limited when lots of artists are in their studios or the Center is having an event, but because I was going on a chilly afternoon, I was able to grab a spot. Be aware that the Center is made up of three buildings that are linked by basement hallways and multiple stairwells. Some floors are split level (the Gymnasium for example), so if you have mobility concerns, you may need to limit your visit to the two main galleries in the southern building: City Gallery and Speck Gallery. The Harrison Gallery and the Gallery Annex are on the first floor of the northern building, but do not have a ramp to make it up the three steps. If that is not too much climbing, you can approach the northern building via the sidewalks in the courtyard area (exterior). If you want to experience the full exposure to the galleries and studios, take the guided tour. The guide will take a large set of keys which will open the individual studios of the artists so that you can appreciate how each individual arranges their tools of the trade. Note that artists are free to decorate the inside of their studios as they wish and frequently use the wall space in the hallways outside their studios to hang their works, many of which are available for purchase. Since there are many artists with preferences for working all hours of the day and night, you are bound to run into some artists working in their studios when on the tour. If you catch them at an appropriate time, you may be able to engage in a conversation. Just keep in mind that they are there because it is their work time, so brevity is in order. I was able to chat with several, including resident curator Kyle Ragsdale, who has a retrospective featured in the Speck Gallery. I also met William Rasdell, a photographer and digital artist who uses his art to study the effects of migration on culture. Artist Chad Campbell took time to explain his motivations and background leading up to his work with found materials and the use of the familiar to make his art relatable. There were numerous wire art forms arranged outside his studio on the basement level. If you plan on taking the guided tour, please allow yourself time to go back and visit the galleries in greater detail or maybe engage in a conversation or two. You can easily extend a visit from an hour to several if you explore on your own. Review #210 read more

See all

I like that this place exists within walking distance from my place. It doesn't seem that big on the outside, but there are small spaces with artists all throughout the building, and you can end up spending several hours walking through the place without ever leaving the basement. Lot of events, including First Friday openings in March and May (every other month perhaps?) with other events in the summer out on the lawn. Get on their mailing list to stay informed about what's going on, and if you live in the neighborhood, walk over instead of taking up some of the street parking. It's a residential area and parking can be at a premium as there is only one small lot and the rest is on the street. read more

Looking for one place during First Friday with lots of different art techniques, genres, designs, etc? This is one of my favorite places to go! They always have tons of featured local artists throughout their huge space. Additionally, it's home to lots of local artists to work on their latest and greatest pieces before showcasing it to Hoosiers. What makes Harrison different is all of the great events that go on throughout the year. They've got lots of art shows and special events. Great, large art venue showcasing some of Indy's talented local artists. read more

First Friday in Indy has changed over time but one constant is the Harrison Center. You can always count on interesting exhibitions at the monthly open house. There are two main galleries on the first floor, and during First Friday the artists' studios are also open throughout the building. The studios are located mainly in the basement, but there are also a few on the second floor. You can easily immerse yourself in art during the visit. Beer and wine are usually available for purchase during First Friday, and some snacks may be available as part of the exhibition openings. Harrison Center also play host to various events throughout the year. The events include INDIEana Handicraft Exchange in the gymnasium, 5x5 Indy in the courtyard, and Independent Music + Art Festival just to name a few. Because of proximity to the 16th Street corridor, you can also check out the burgeoning restaurant and cafe scene nearby. Next time you are interested in checking out the arts in Indy. make a stop at Harrison Center for the Arts! read more

Great art gallery and community space! My first time here was for the May First Friday event, which happened to be the "mandatory" night when ALL the artists had to have their studios open. I thought it was a great experience. Kids were playing outside and people were picnicking on the lawn of this converted church...felt very small town. There were a lot of kids, up through high school, taking in the art alongside us...winding in and out of the basement galleries. Elizabeth Guipe Hall, whose work I just discovered, was having an opening that night and I really enjoyed seeing her Mexico-themed pieces. I'd only seen Indiana pieces up until that point. I love Emma Overman's whimsical, dark illustrations too (and she's super nice). The space is dominated by painters but there's also a glass blower (who gives lessons), jewelry makers, photographers, furniture makers, and other craftsmen. School children are able to display their work here as well. Probably the coolest find of the night was the guy who makes the Corkbo...a crossbow which shoots wine corks. They start at $90. We ended up buying a really rad praying mantis print in a gilded frame instead, but it was a tough decision! The night we were there 2 food trailers were parked out front: Duos and Mabel. We ate dinner before going because we didn't think there would be food there but we wished we would've waited! Not sure if there is always food available or if this was just because it was mandatory studio opening night. Also...make sure you can parallel park! The old Northside can be a bit of a tight squeeze. read more

See all

I so enjoy first Friday's at the Harrison art center. As a local small business manager, I enjoy helping the arts and being a parting something that is an important part in a lot of people's life's. I have done 3 first Friday's at the Harrison center and all 3 times I have been so impressed with the talent of the artists. I love some of the programs that they have ongoing and really appreciate the work they do with the disabled. I am so interested in learning more about it. If you have never been to a first Friday at the Harrison art center, I highly recommend going. Check out one of the open studio nights when they are open later and have more to see. It is definitely worth your time. read more

Harrison Center - Moving walls - Art Galleries Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

My family and I had nothing to do on a Friday and got to experience the very art-forward First Fridays! This is a great location for the First Fridays! We love the art and the family-friendly environment. The reason for the 4-stars is that if you have a little one that needs a stroller or a handicap ramp you may not be able to see every exhibit. We absolutely loved the food trucks! What a great opportunity to view some art and have little tastes of our wonderful Indy!!!! So we will absolutely be returning! This location is a great contribution to Indy! read more

My favorite "First Fridays" spot! Kipp Normand, Kyle Ragsdale and Emma Overman are the ones I never miss stopping by. Also bought a really cool piece of art from VSA Arts. This building has a bit of magic and sense of adventure to it; you never know what you might find around the corner! Harrison Center seems to always be on the cutting edge of what is going on in town. The first pecha-kucha event in Indy was held here and it seems like if there is a new idea relating to art that is going to be attempted, this will be its debut spot. We are so lucky to have a place like this in greater downtown and so convenient to two of the most beautiful historic neighborhoods in Indianapolis: Herron-Morton Place and Old Northside, of which the Harrison Center is a wonderfully contributing part. read more

Wow, this place was PACKED for Spirit in Place. We were asked to be there for Athletes & Art: A Happening where athletes posed for artists, and the artists would create art for the National Art Museum of Sports. It was mostly drawing and photos. The venue was a bit difficult to navigate on skates, up stairs, across smooth floors to find yourself on ripply, stony floors. But the purpose of the layout is not for skaters ;) The whole building is a bit difficult to navigate. It's really easy to get lost. Which has it's own pros and cons. Building too easy are no fun. But it's good at first to know where you need to go... or at least be able to follow the directions someone gives you (which are never the same from one person to the next. read more

Let me just say the art and craft event that was here December 8th was absolutely amazing so many great art pieces and crafts to purchase and support locals. There was also beer stands through the school. It was like no other event I have been to. Getting to see this old school and church and it's entirety was simply amazing. read more

This is the best gallery in the city. Great food on First Fridays, and Kyle Ragsdale paintings on the walls! read more

A staple on our "Tour de First Friday." We always start in gallery 2 to get our Sun King in hand for the long meander through the various floors full of artists showcasing their latest work. You might get a little turned around in here, but once you've come to a few events, you get the general layout. A great place to bring young kids, groups of friends, or just a date night for the adults on First Friday. Favorite artists include: Allison Ford, Kipp Normand, Kyle Ragsdale, Cordial Kitten, and Emma Overman. Get lost in the different nooks and crannies that house various local creatives. I know we do! read more

The Harrison Center is a great place. It is always my favorite stop on first Fridays, and the place we spend the most time at because there is so much to look at. We go to pretty much every first Friday here, and I am always so impressed by how many amazing local artists we have here in Indy. Did I mention that there is free wine? Although, you should make a small donation because it is a worthy place to support! Oftentimes on first Fridays they have live music and food trucks outside, with a variety of offerings from vegetarian, to meat lovers, to gluten free offerings. They also have lots of fun events throughout the year here, my favorite so far being the Indie Handicraft Exchange. If you haven't been to the Harrison Center, I highly recommend stopping by on a first Friday. And bring some cash, because you're bound to see some art you won't want to pass up! read more

Great Arts Center! Went to the First Friday last night, great vibe, great Art. A real community center. Will make a habit of the First Friday events. Even bought a piece from a local artist. read more

I've been attending the First Friday events here for quite awhile and although it's typically super packed, it's a great time. This building has a lot of twists and turns so make sure you try to get to every floor and every space. It's been my experience that even though they do First Friday once a month, not all of the individual studio spaces are open but they seem to be open for every 3rd First Friday event. In the summer, some of the area food trucks have been there and there is usually free wine and some snacks inside. Sun King has been there the past few times I have gone which is always a bonus for my boyfriend. Make sure you get there early to get decent parking since it's all street parking but if you come once, you'll be hooked for every month. read more

Great place to see art on first Friday. This place is huge. I recommend taking your time. The artist that display are also friendly and welcoming. This is my favorite place to view art. read more

This is one of the best spots to visit on First Friday. They always have great featured shows and the majority of the studios are open during this time. (A couple of my favorite local artists have space here, so I love to see their new work when I visit.) There are also complimentary snacks and wine, or Sun King beer or purchase. read more

I attended a fashion show here Sunday and the venue is AMAZING. Can't believe I wasn't familiar. The fashion show was held in the gym where they had lights strung and it was dimly lit with two bars it was a beautiful set up and a beautiful space read more

This is my favorite stop for the First Friday art tours. Not only am I huge fan of the resident artists, but the space and changing events are wonderful. While it may not be within walking distance of some of the other galleries that participate in First Fridays, it is definitely worth the visit. Check their website or sign up to receive a mailer about events beyond and shows throughout the month. read more

check out Artur Silva here at the Harrison on first fridays...and buy something for pete sakes:)

Last night I met my niece at First Fridays. What an incredible venue, down to the whacky dance party in the gym that attracted the younger set! I particularly enjoyed the fact that the artists were so very personable, taking the time to speak with the children we brought with us to the event, explaining their craft and showing an interest in them. The children were wowed! Teri Barnett of Broad Ripple Art & Design and Jeannine Allen, a very talented artist originally from Maine and instructor at a local university, were especially kind and patient with the kids - that meant a lot. In addition their art work thrilled me and my little 9 yr. old Markie. Both artists' use of strong color and repetitive pattern spoke to her glee lol. Their work made definite statements. We decided to buy a couple pieces of their artwork on our next visit. We couldn't leave without purchasing two sturdy, opaque white and red pieces of pottery from an intense young sculptor at VSA Arts. Great complimentary drinks and the standard cheese & cracker spread. This will be a definite monthly venture for my family and me. I recommend you bring the children and let them experience the creativity packed inside of this child-friendly monthly event. read more